Create a new pipeline from existing YML file in the repository (Azure Pipelines)

If you pushed azure-pipelines.yml to a new branch, Azure DevOps detect it automatically, if you have a CI trigger you will see a build start to running.

You can create a new pipeline and specify an existing YAML file:

enter image description here -> Choose you repository.

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You can also can go the repo build page (if you already have a build for this repo with other branch) and click Run pipeline and there choose the branch:

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I found that the easiest method is to navigate to the Repos section, select the repository and click on the Set up Build button there.

Set up Build

You can then select Existing Azure Pipelines YAML file from the options.


For me the option starter pipeline or existing azure pipelines yaml file used to show up when creating new pipeline in pipelines UI or when coming from repo UI and select set up build. However, just now Azure Devops immediately jumps to an old yaml file I startet but abandoned. It seems somehow cached. I also tried a different browser but same issue. So my quick workaround is to have an azure-pipelines.yml file in the main directory of the repo and save whatever I need in there. After saving I can change the file pointer to whatever I actually want. Not sure if it's a bug but I don't have time to investigate further.